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capABLE RVA

In partnership with The Next Move Program, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and related education to young adults with disabilities, the VMHC is displaying 13 portraits featuring remarkable and varied stories of individuals from the Richmond area as part of our Story of Virginia exhibition.

ADMISSION:

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:

Representing 19% of the total population, the disability community is one of the largest minority groups in the United States. In Virginia, about 11% of the population has a disability. Many barriers exist for this community as they seek opportunities for employment, post-secondary education, financial independence, transportation, and housing.

Nearly two-thirds of Virginians with disabilities between the ages of 21 and 65 are unemployed. With limited opportunities for employment and accessible public transportation, poverty rates are higher for this population than most. When individuals with disabilities have access to proper supports and inclusive programming, they will thrive and have opportunities to fully participate in the community.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

This exhibit features thirteen inspiring portraits of individuals with disabilities captured by six professional photographers. The exhibit represents the physical component of an educational social media campaign that demonstrates we are all capABLE. The story of each individual can be found online at http://www.thenextmoveprogram.com/capable/.

“As part of our commitment to presenting a historical narrative that includes all Virginians, we are excited to partner with the Next Move Program and to have the opportunity to feature these inspiring individuals as part of the Story of Virginia,” said Andrew H. Talkov, VMHC Vice President for Exhibition and Publications.

Individuals and photographers featured are as follows:

Adeline Raquet by Luke Witt

Ajay Reddy by James Loving

Edward Bova by Luke Witt

Efren Calata by Luke Witt

Emily LeSueur by Jim Hale

Haley Judah by George Baskerville

James Farmer by George Baskerville

Madison Beale by Scott Elmquist

Mandy Marchiano by Scott Elmquist

Martiko Pierce by James Loving

Paul Marretti by Kourtney Smithson

Sarah Chenault by Luke Witt

Shaina Cilimberg by Jim Hale

Enjoy this interview with Nikki-Dee Ray on WTVR CBS6 about the exhibition: